Many people are familiar with the large heads of numerous individual flowers, in colours of links and blues.

However, many people become disappointed when their plants flower a second time and the flowers have lost much of the colour intensity of the original flowers. This occurs because the flower colours are not determined by plant breeding. Instead, the type of soil determines the colours of the flowers.

Acid soil, with a pH value of 5 - 5.5 will result in blue flowers. An alkaline soil, (pH of 6.5 - 7.5), produces flowers in pinks and reds.

However, hydrangeas with white flowers will always produce white flowers, as they are not affected by the soil.

Hydrangeas are available in many, different growth habits and styles to suit a variety of positions and purposes, ranging from pot culture through to general garden habitats.

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Lacecap varieties produce flowers that have an outer ring of large, sterile flowers, with an inner layer of tiny, sterile flowers. Flowers can be pink or blue. Some have variegated leaves, which add an extra, attractive dimension to the plants.

White-flowered hydrangeas combine very successfully with the blue and pink-flowered varieties. These plants prefer to be grown in a sheltered position as direct sun and wind may cause the blooms to discolour. Such a position will ensure a prolonged flowering season.

Growing hydrangeas under deciduous trees is an ideal situation as the plants will receive sun during the winter months, while receiving protection from the harsh sun of the summer months.

Two less-commonly grown white flowered hydrangeas are Hydrangea quercifolia and Hydrangea paniculata.

However, both varieties can be grown very successfully and can prove to be interesting and valuable additions to the home garden.

Hydrangea quercifolia is commonly known as the Oak-leaf hydrangea, because of the shape of the leaves, which are like giant oak leaves in appearance.

The flowers are pyramidal in form, unlike the more common hydrangea flowers that are somewhat rounded and slightly raised in shape. The flower heads actually consist of two different types of flowers. Large, while sterile flowers are on the outside, while tiny, fertile flowers cluster around the stem. The fragrance of the flowers is similar to a field of clover. The leaves turn a deep, strong red in autumn. The colour intensifies in colder climates.

Hydrangea paniculata, sometimes known as the peegee hydrangea, produces creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape. Flowers appear later than the other varieties, during the summer months.

Hydrangeas will grow successfully from cuttings taken when the plants have finished flowering.

One of the delights of Christmas in Australia is the flowering of the New South Wales Christmas Bush, Ceratopetalum gummiferum.

The "flowers" of Christmas Bush, which are actually the coloured sepals that form after the smaller white flowers have finished, have been sold in markets for well over a century. They last well in a vase, particularly if the stems are recut under the water every several days.

As the majority of plants that have been available over many years have been raised from seeds, colour has been quite variable. In past years it has generally been advisable when purchasing a NSW Christmas Bush to do so while the plant was in "flower", as this was the only way to guarantee a well coloured product.

However, more reliable clones have been developed, with "Albery's Red" being the main one that is available.

Other varieties are being developed and trialled, particularly for use in the cut-flower market. Albery's red variety has a compact growth, is dark red in colour and is a more reliable and early, free-flowering variety.

A dwarf form is now available. "Johanna's Christmas" will grow to a maximum height of about one metre.

Christmas Bush benefits from pruning. It helps to keep the plants compact, with younger, more vigorous wood being encouraged. Cutting the flowering stems for indoor decoration is an ideal way in which to satisfy pruning requirements, as well as allowing the flowers to be enjoyed. Combining Christmas Bush with hydrangea flowers provides an attractive addition to Christmas decorations.

A popular salad mix is known as Mesclun mix. It is a mix of salad greens that are harvested and eaten together.

Salad mixes or 'mesclun' were originally French; the name comes from the word mescla, which means 'to mix' in the local dialect of Nice. The idea was to make a salad that included diverse taste and texture sensation: bitter, sweet, tangy, crunchy and tender.

The original recipe was a combination of early shoots of rocket, dandelion greens and lettuce. Other ingredients might include chicories, beetroot greens, asian greens (tatsoi, mizuna), spinach, kale, and mustard greens.

The composition of mesclun mixes varies. Some are spicy and include mustard greens, while others contain greens that are slightly bitter, including radicchio and endive. Others are selected for their colourful leaves.

Maitland and District Garden Club